The first ever Ghana International Model United Nations conference (GIMUN) was held on the 20th and 21st of March 2010 at Miklin Hotel. A hundred and fifty students took part, selected from tertiary institutions throughout Ghana. Thirty Ashesi students applied to participate and all thirty were accepted. Delegates were housed in private hostels at the University of Ghana, Legon, and provided with transportation and food during the conference.
The two day conference commenced with visits to a number of embassies in Ghana including the Spanish, U.S. and Russian Embassies. Participants were elected as delegates of different countries and each delegate was given the opportunity to visit their respective embassy. This allowed delegates to meet and interact with their respective Ambassadors and Consulates.
The goal of the conference was to simulate the real-life proceedings of the United Nations. Consequently, position papers prepared by delegates from each country were read and resolutions were drafted. Delegates were separated into two committees, with one committee debating the World Economic Crisis, whilst the other debated Global Climate Change. Students also served as members of the security service and press core.
Ashesi students took on several leadership roles during the conference. Isaac Appiah (Class of 2012) was the General Assembly Vice President, Eyra Lydie Gnanih (Class of 2012) was the secretary of her committee, and Diana Dayaka Osei (Class of 2012) headed the Press Core. In addition, during the closing ceremony a number of Ashesi students were recognized for their hard work: Prince Dwomoh (Class of 2012), representing Iran, was voted the “best delegate” of his committee and Annatu Neina Abdulai (Class of 2013), representing Mexico, won “best dressed delegate”.
The highlight was the crowning of Sebastian Apau (Class of 2011) as “best overall delegate” of the conference. This distinction means Sebastian receives an automatic confirmation to attend the Global Model United Nations programme which will be held in Malaysia this summer.